Is Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Precooked?

Turkey bacon has become a popular alternative to traditional pork bacon. It has fewer calories and less fat, but still provides the bacon flavor many love. Oscar Mayer is one of the major brands offering turkey bacon products But an important question for buyers is – is Oscar Mayer turkey bacon precooked?

In this article, we’ll look at the cooking process for Oscar Mayer turkey bacon and how to prepare it properly

What Is Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon?

Oscar Mayer makes several varieties of turkey bacon, including:

• Fully Cooked Turkey Bacon
• Fully Cooked Thick Cut Turkey Bacon
• Fully Cooked Lower Sodium Turkey Bacon
• Fully Cooked Turkey Bacon Bits
• Fully Cooked Maple Flavored Turkey Bacon

It starts with whole muscle turkey that is cured, smoked, and chopped and formed into bacon slices Turkey bacon contains less fat than pork bacon but still delivers smoky, savory flavor.

Oscar Mayer uses an all-natural curing process with turkey, water, sea salt, brown sugar, honey, and natural smoke flavor. The turkey bacon is gluten-free and made without artificial preservatives.

Is Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Precooked?

The Oscar Mayer turkey bacon labeled “fully cooked” is precooked and ready to heat and eat. The curing, smoking, and cooking process is completed before packaging.

The front of the package states “fully cooked” and the back label says “ready to eat when heated.” So this turkey bacon can go straight from the fridge to a hot skillet or microwave.

Precooked turkey bacon makes life easier for anyone looking for a quick meat option. Just a minute or two of heating gives you hot, crispy turkey bacon ready for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Cooking Instructions for Precooked Turkey Bacon

Oscar Mayer provides recommended cooking instructions for heating up their precooked turkey bacon:

• Stovetop: Place single layer of slices in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally.

• Microwave: Place slices on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on HIGH for 15-30 seconds per slice.

• Oven: Place slices in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

Adjust cook times slightly to reach your preferred level of crispness. Be careful not to overcook or turkey bacon can become very crisp and dry.

Buying the Right Product

Be sure to verify “fully cooked” on the label when purchasing Oscar Mayer turkey bacon. Some packages say “cook thoroughly” instead, meaning they require full cooking.

Oscar Mayer sells both fully cooked and uncooked turkey bacon varieties. Check labels closely to ensure you get the precooked, ready-to-heat product.

When in doubt, look for the detailed back label with microwave and stovetop instructions for heating. Only fully cooked packages include these directions.

Storage and Shelf Life

Like regular raw bacon, Oscar Mayer fully cooked turkey bacon has a fairly short shelf life. It will last about 7-10 days refrigerated past the sell-by date.

For best quality, use precooked turkey bacon within 1 week of opening. To extend shelf life, store an unopened package in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.

Precooked bacon may lose texture quality and moisture when frozen too long. It’s best to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is Precooked Bacon a Healthy Choice?

While turkey bacon is lower in saturated fat and calories than pork bacon, the precooked varieties are still high in sodium. Oscar Mayer fully cooked turkey bacon contains 370mg sodium per slice.

If limiting sodium intake, be mindful of portion sizes. As an occasional treat, precooked turkey bacon can be part of a balanced diet. For everyday use, fresh turkey bacon may be a healthier choice.

Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon: Precooked for Convenience

Oscar Mayer fully cooked turkey bacon eliminates the hassle of lengthy baking or stovetop cooking. Their precooked, smoked turkey bacon just needs a quick reheat, making it an easy protein choice. Check the label for the fully cooked indicator before purchasing.

While less processed raw turkey bacon may be best for health, Oscar Mayer’s precooked version provides a quick meat option for busy lifestyles. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.